Moving out

More stories from Chieh Hsu

Due to the closure of school and businesses, my parents decided that we return to Taiwan at the end of May, ending our two-year-long expedition in the U.S. earlier than planned. For me, the decision meant to abandon the anticipation for a traditional end of my senior year altogether.

The implication was devastating, but there was no time to waste. I urgently contacted several teachers to make sure that I can receive my yearbook and diploma, lest the next resident of our apartment unit cold-bloodedly shoves them down the trash tube. The notion was infuriating and temporarily overwhelmed my sorrow. Once I concluded the intense exchange of emails, however, I could but lay paralyzed on my bed in thought. 

I recalled the joy of reading my first English book and gradually became able to articulate my thoughts in the language, researching on quantum physics for a science project and humbly accepted that my knowledge is very limited, and engaging people from countries I had never heard of and grew fascinated with their diverse perspectives. Most importantly, I learned to embrace who I am and be proud of him. Whether it be my teachers, friends, acquaintances, or colleagues, the people I met here have prepared me to fly to the next chapter of my life.

As I boarded the plane, I whispered, “thank you.”

 

0
0